Scandic is set to bolster its footprint in Norway with the addition of a new franchise hotel, Scandic Victoria Florø, scheduled to open on 1 December 2025.

This move aligns with the hotel operator's growth strategy and marks its first property in Florø.

The Helle family-owned Comfort Hotel Victoria will undergo a rebranding to become Scandic Victoria Florø, which will represent Scandic's 19th franchise hotel.

The owners will continue to operate the property under a long-term franchise agreement.

Scandic Hotels Group franchise director Søren Nystrøm said: “We are happy to be cooperating with the Helle family and are excited to welcome such a renowned hotel to Scandic’s portfolio. The hotel has a high standard and a strong local management team that shares Scandic’s values and culture. This is critical for us when signing long-term agreements.”

The hotel, which has undergone an extensive overhaul in recent years, features 97 rooms and can host meetings for up to 150 people.

The Helle family also looks to further develop the hotel's offerings under the Scandic brand.

Helle family spokesperson Ole Johan Helle said: “Victoria Hotel has been an important part of Florø for over a hundred years, and it is important for us to preserve both its identity and local roots.

“Through our collaboration with Scandic, we gain new inspiration and drive to take the hotel forward, while guests will continue to experience the same hospitality and warm atmosphere they know from before. We look forward to embarking on this new chapter and to further developing both the hotel and Florø as a destination.”

Scandic Hotels Group president and CEO Jens Mathiesen said: “Increasing our focus on franchising is an efficient way to complement our expansion in new destinations. Franchises are a central part of our growth strategy for 2030, and we aim to create the best franchise programme in the Nordic countries, built on strong local partnerships and a shared passion for the guest experience.”

The expansion is part of Scandic's growth strategy for 2030, which aims to add 40 to 50 new hotels and 10,000 rooms, with approximately 70% of these located in the Nordic countries.

Scandic's growth in Norway is also evidenced by the addition of its sixth signature hotel, The Dock 69°39, in Tromsø, last month.

This strategy was outlined at the company's capital markets day earlier this year.